A Chapstick Thank You

Some nights when I leave work I stop by the newsstand on the corner of 5th Avenue and 46th Street. I sometimes buy a pack of Mentos or Sprees. The Asian man and wife that own the stand are always so friendly and gracious. A couple of weeks ago I noticed the husband was handing out white envelopes to the customers. When I handed him money for my Mentos he asked “Did you get envelope?”. I said “No.” He frantically collected an envelope checked inside and looked upset that something was missing. He grabbed a Chapstick, put it in the envelope and sealed it up and handed it to me. I said “Uh, thanks.”

I walked to the train and when I sat down I opened the envelope. Basically it stated that the city is building brand new newsstands to replace the old ones and his newsstand would be closed end of October and would re-open the beginning of January. It also thanked me, the customer for my value and patronage to his business. I was so touched by the letter and theChapstick.

A week later, I handed him an envelope. It was a homemade card that thanked him for always smiling and being so nice whenever I frequented his stand.